Regression of cutaneous xerosis with emollient treatment in sub-Saharan African patients.

Emollients have proven effective in improving cutaneous xerosis in various populations; however, no clinical data are available for African patients. The observational study "Xerafrica" was conducted by dermatologists in seven sub-Saharan countries to assess the evolution of xerosis after an 8-week treatment with an emollient. Patients were children above 3 years or adults. Secondary objectives were to assess pruritus, improvement in symptoms, quality of life, satisfaction, and tolerance. An analysis of 185 patients was made. After 8 weeks of emollient treatment, the relative reduction of the "Scaling Roughness Redness Cracks" (SRRC) score was -83.9% and -80.4% in children and adults, respectively. The effect was significantly stronger when topical steroids were co-prescribed with the emollient and in patients with co-dermatosis. To a lesser extent, the effect of emollient was also observed at week 4. Similarly, pruritus and quality of life strongly improved during follow-up. Skin lesions improved in almost all patients, with a high level of satisfaction noted by both dermatologists and patients. The "Xerafrica" study addressed, for the first time, the treatment of xerosis by emollients in an African population. In this specific context, the emollient markedly reduced xerosis as soon as 4 weeks and resolved it almost totally by 8 weeks. The study confirms, under real-life conditions, the efficacy and tolerability of an emollient in improving xerosis.

[Cutaneous depigmentation in black female population for cosmetic purposes: results of a KAP survey conducted in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)]. / Dépigmentation cutanée cosmétique des femmes noires: résultats d'une enquête CAP à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous depigmentation for cosmeticis purposes is a widespread practice among black African women. It has many complications that have been well documented for decades. However, the reasons of practitioners are not well known. The aim of our study was to understand the motivating reasons of these women in order to conduct a communication campaign for behavior change. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional KAP survey (Knowledge/Attitudes/Practices) at the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Treichville (Abidjan) Data were analyzed using Epi Info 3.5.1. and 6.04 software. RESULTS: Practitioners were mostly young urban single, literate and professionally active women (20-40 years). Cutaneous depigmentation and its consequences were known to women, however, they thought that women with the lightest complexion were more attractive. They were influenced by media and friends. The most frequently observed complications were exogenous ochronosis and stretch marks. The local means of communication remained what essentially sustained the information needs of these women, because they help them to change their behavior. CONCLUSION: The development of local communication strategies for behavior change seems necessary to stop the phenomenon of cutaneous depigmentation for cosmetic purposes in black female population in Abidjan.

Epidemiologic and etiologic features of pigmentation disorders observed during consultation at the Dermatology Center of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Skin color is important to people in many societies. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the causes of skin disorders in patients presenting for consultation over a period of 5 years were assessed and identified. A total of 4,510 dyschromia cases were recorded, representing 9% of the total number of patients attending for consultations at the Dermatology Center of Abidjan over this period. Pigmentation disorders were more often found in female patients (53.56%; sex ratio female:male=1.44) and were predominant in patients 20--30 years old (50%). All socio-professional categories were represented. However, students and service professionals (hairdressers, dressmakers, traders and switchboard operators) represented 50% of the patients with pigmentation disorders. Hyperchromia was common (48.49%) and was found in exposed areas of the skin. Most of the pigmentation disorders (60.94%) were of post-inflammation origin. Vitiligo was the most frequent etiology of systemic or endocrine dyschromia (92.63%). Among the hereditary pigmentation disorders, pigmented naevus was the most commonly found (41.5%). Dyschromic chemical eruptions appeared most frequently in the form of fixed pigmented erythema (84.55%). This study demonstrates that pigmentation disorders are still a frequent reason for consultation due to their distressing consequences.